Byodoji Temple
22nd Temple
Byodoji was founded in 814 by Kobo Daishi Kukai. It is temple 22 of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
The principal Buddha is Yakushi Nyorai. Prayers for recovery from illness, the gan-fuji cancer prayer, and strong legs and back are offered here. Water associated with Kobo Daishi still springs in the grounds.
The former head priest lived through illness four times and still serves. The temple also keeps the story of a father who pulled his child around the pilgrimage in a box cart.
The main hall is livestreamed at all hours. You can also request prayers from this site.
Connect with Byodoji right now through the live stream.
See live streaming detailsLearn about Yakushi NyoraiRead the legend of the handcartRequest AñjaliRequest an online prayerAñjali
Praying here and now
Añjali means joining the palms. Join your palms before the screen and offer your wish to the Buddha. Offerings can be made here as well.
Learn more about AñjaliByodoji Temple Online Prayer
A name read aloud in prayer
Give your name and wish, and the priest will read them aloud in the main hall. You can watch the reading on the livestream and receive word by email or LINE when it is done. You do not need to write your details on paper for a stranger.
Apply for a prayerChoose a Goma by your wishIntroducing Byodoji Temple
A temple established with the vow to "equally heal the illnesses of people's minds and bodies"
Brief History of Foundation
Founded: Konin 5 (814 CE) Founder: Kobo Daishi Kukai
Byodoji is a Buddhist temple founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. The principal deity is Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), carved by the Great Master himself. The Master performed goma fire rituals for 100 days at this site and established the temple with a vow to equally heal people's minds and bodies.
Currently, it is the 22nd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
Learn about the Yakushi BuddhaLearn about the history of Byodoji TempleWhat Is Bhaisajyaguru?
Origin of the Name
Mountain name: Hakusui-zan (White Water Mountain), Temple name: Byodoji (Temple of Equality)
The water from the well Kobo Daishi dug is called Kobo’s sacred water. It is said to have been milky white at first, and the mountain name became Hakusuizan.
Additionally, when the Great Master carved the principal deity Yakushi Nyorai, he made a vow to "equally heal people's minds and bodies," leading to the temple being named "Byodoji" (Temple of Equality).
Learn about the Yakushi BuddhaLearn about the history of Byodoji Temple
Sect & Affiliations
Koyasan Shingon Sect & Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Association
Our temple belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect and was founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. As the 22nd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, we welcome between 100,000 and 200,000 pilgrims annually.
It has become a sacred place where local parishioners living in the surrounding countryside and pilgrims from around the world come together to offer prayers to Buddha.
Prayers that are told here
Gan-fuji (Prayers for Healing from Cancer) & Healthy Legs
Byodoji has long been known as a temple of gan-fuji, prayers offered in the face of cancer. People still come to Yakushi Nyorai to pray for recovery, it is said.
Prayers for sound legs and back are also told here. A story remains of a pilgrim who drank from the well Kobo Daishi dug, stood again, and continued the pilgrimage.
About prayers concerning cancerThe legend of the parent and child in a wheeled boxWhat Is Vaiśravaṇa?What Is Acala?What Is the Eleven-Faced Kannon?What Is Jizo Bosatsu?